Set in the beautiful, historic, UNESCO protected mountain range of Sintra, Quinta Sao Bento and Quinta Matalva are private villas located in a secluded valley with pine forest backdrops and views of the coast. The Quintas are accessed down an off-road track that leads to only 4 Quintas ensuring seclusion and calm.
Quinta Sao Bento has 5 bedrooms and is the old 16th Century historic property. Quinta Matalva is a 20th Century rebuilt property which has three bedrooms in the main house and a further two in a cottage so is perfect for large inter-generation family gathering. The properties are about 60-70m apart with Matalva being lower down the hill and accessed through a small gate and a flight of outdoor steps.
Both houses have large terraces which are ideal for barbecues, drinks and outside dining. Both houses also have private swimming pools easily accessed from the terrace with a range of sun lounges and chairs. From the Matalva main house, walk through a colonnade to the cottage which has a separate kitchen, sitting room and terrace with a dining area, ideal for anyone in the group requiring privacy such as a family with young children or grandparents. From the entire property there are superb views of the historic Dome of the Palacio de Monserrate next door and terraces of oranges, lemons and fig trees.
Sturdy walls, stone floors and vaulted ceilings epitomise the ambiance and history of this former monastic retreat. Lovingly restored over the last 20 years, the owners have ensured that the Quinta is maintained to the highest standards of comfort, whilst respecting and retaining its heritage. The Quinta is located on the hills of Sintra and adjacent to the botanical gardens of Monserrate.
Having collected extensively during their life in the Far East, the owners have imbued the Quinta with a special charm, blending traditional Portuguese antiques with European paintings and Asian ceramics: so that its interior is a fitting equal to the exotic and beautiful setting.
Guests are spoilt for choice when choosing a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the Quinta and its grounds.
The upper terrace provides a favourite spot to relax and enjoy a glass of wine whilst admiring the sunset and magnificent views of the valley of Colares and the sea beyond.
A wide terrace accessed from rooms on the ground floor, provides a large sitting and dining area overlooking the gardens, partly shaded by a large jacaranda tree, keeping guests cool in the summer.
What was once a monks’ refectory is now an attractive living room with a unique high vaulted ceiling, large enough for big gatherings. The room stays cool in summer and heated in winter by a wide open fireplace which was originally the bread-oven to the monastery.
The Sao Bento dining terrace is the setting for many family gatherings and celebrations. Set under the natural shade of a jacaranda tree in the centre of the terrace, overlooking the lush gardens, the terrace works well for small or large groups dining together at any time of the day.
The Quinta's dining room, with its exposed brick-vaulted ceiling, can easily seat ten to twelve people in atmospheric comfort. Light and airy, the dining room leads onto both the main sitting room and dining terrace.
Immaculate and well-equipped, the country-style Sao Bento kitchen is tiled in traditional Portuguese blue and white and has a long wooden table for cosy kitchen dinners. A beautiful vaulted wine cellar is annexed to the kitchen and perfect for storing a variety of local wine to be sampled during your stay at the Quinta.
Guests are given a welcome hamper on arrival and are welcome to gather any fresh produce in season from the garden, including figs, plums, lemons, oranges, tangerines, avocados, quince and walnuts.
An informal catering service can be provided by the Portuguese speaking house keeper and her an English speaking Chef son, if arranged in advance. For those arriving late at the Quinta, a light meal of home made soup, fresh bread, cheese and fruit is a popular option.
Recognised as a place of beauty and seclusion dating back to the Roman era, Quinta Sao Bento and Quinta Matalva are set on a lush hillside below the pine and mimosa woodlands of the Sintra National Park.
Surrounding the house is an impressive, well tended 10 acre garden with terraces of fruit trees and flowers, mature trees, a kitchen garden and a swimming pool. A restored Renaissance chapel beside the house sits on the site of a Roman temple.
Once a monastic retreat, the fertile hills of Quinta Sao Bento were terraced and farmed to provide produce for the monks who would come to convalesce at the Quinta from a monastery further up the mountain. These ancient terraces stretch out in several layers and now form open lawns and French gardens immediately in front of the house with a profusion of hydrangeas, geraniums, roses, lavender and exotic birds of paradise.
A rich variety of trees include lemon, orange, pear, fig and walnut and guests to the Quinta are welcome to eat any of the fresh fruit in season. The pool is sheltered and near an ancient spring, where remnants of Moorish frescoes can still be seen.
The lasting impression of friends and visitors to Quinta Sao Bento is the setting and how easy it is to stay and enjoy the gardens without ever having to leave.
Services: Housekeeping, bedlinen and one set of towels per guest is provided. A welcome hamper is provided on arrival. Additional cleaning and a cook service are available for an extra cost if arranged in advance.
Facilities: Wifi, Satellite TV, 2 ovens, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, washing machine, barbecue & private swimming pool (10 x 5m and not heated), board games and books.
Baby and toddler equipment is available for guests staying in Quinta Sao Bento or its sister villa, Quinta da Matalva, so booking it in advance is advised. Equipment available includes a high chair, 2 cots, a steriliser, a baby bath, a small table and chairs to sit and draw, a toddler mini bicycle and a 'push with feet' truck.
Families with children of all ages have enjoyed staying at the Quinta over the years. Due to the many terraces, low walls, water features and original stone stairs in the gardens and around the pool area, children do need to be supervised at all times.
Golf details: The following golf courses are approximately 15-30 minutes drive from Quinta Matalva. Golf do Estoril, Estoril is one of the most traditional and classic clubs in Portugal, host to Portuguese Open. 18 hole, par 69, 5238 metres 9 hole, par 34, 2350 metres. Tel: 351-1-4680176 / 4680054. Fax: 468-2796. Golf Estoril-Sol, Linho One of the most beautiful 9 hole courses in Europe. 9 holes, par 31 - 1749 metres. Tel: 351 1 924 03 31. Fax: 351 1 924 03 31.
Penha Longa Golf Club, Sintra. A quality course with spectacular scenery. 18 hole par 72 championship course, 6228 metres; 9 hole, par 35, 2550 metres. Tel: 351 1 924 00 14. Fax: 351 1 924 90 22. Quinta da Marinha, Cascais. Beautiful location overlooking Atlantic Ocean. 5 par 5 s, 6 par 3 s 18 holes par 71, 6014 metres. Tel: 351 1 486 9881/9. Fax: 351 1 486 9032 486 9159. Quinta da Beloura, Sintra. Designed by William Roquemore Jr. Six lakes on course add to interest. 18 holes par 73, 5817 metre.
Guide and Catering services: These are available upon request.
